Signs/Symptoms
What is a symptom of heat exhaustion?
Heavy sweating
Cold, pale and clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Tiredness or weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Brief fainting (passing out)
What happens to the body when Hypothermia occurs?
Hypothermia can lead to complete failure to the heart and respiratory failure leading to death.
What is the first step in caring for heatstroke and hypothermia?
Call 911 right away.
What is the main sign of a heatstroke?
Core temperature of 104 or greater.
What beverages are off-limits when treating a patient for heatstroke?
ALL OF THEM. Do not give them anything to drink.
Does Hypothermia increase the heart rate?
Yes, it causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow, restricting blood flow and reducing oxygen to the heart.
Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet). Most people will try to warm hands and feet first and that may cause shock.
What is the coldest core temperature a human can survive?
The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. At an internal temperature of 95 degrees, humans can experience hypothermia, shivering, and pale skin. At 86 degrees, they become unconscious and, at 77 degrees, cardiac arrest can occur. Most people cannot survive if their core temperature drops to 75 degrees.
Why shouldn't you heat up victims of Hypothermia too quickly?
Rapid warming may cause dangerous heart arrhythmias.
Why does frostbite turn your skin black?
After re-warming the area, the skin will appear black and feel hard due to tissue death in the affected area.
What are the steps (in order) for caring for Heatstroke victims?
1. Call 911
2. Move the person to a cooler place
3. Help lower the person's temperature
4. Do not give the person anything to drink
What is the hottest core temperature a human can survive?
The maximum core temperature a human can survive is 108.14°F. At higher temperatures the body turns into scrambled eggs: proteins are denatured and the brain gets damaged irreparably.
What is a symptom of frostbite?
Reduced blood flow to hands and feet (fingers or toes can freeze)
Numbness
Tingling or stinging
Aching
Bluish or pale, waxy skin
Why do some people faint while having a heat stroke?
Some people faint, because blood flow and oxygen to the brain slow down.
What is the last step in caring for heat exhaustion?
Have the person sip water.
How long does it take to recover from heatstroke?
The initial recovery is 1-2 days, complete recovery is 2 months to a year.